After all, they were one game short of completing a club record for home clean sheets and remain top of the Premier League.
But did we get a sneak preview of how the Blues might look if they can't replace thirtysomethings, John Terry and Frank Lampard?
Such dominant figures in this Chelsea decade are hard to replace, but at Stamford Bridge where the duo's influence extends well beyond the dressing room, you wonder where Chelsea's future lies - and what they're doing about it.
Add to that a Malaria-recovering Didier Drogba at half-speed - and it was amazing how easily the Blues were brushed aside by Sunderland, full of adventure and talent.
Was the club affected by the ruthlessness of coach Ray Wilkins' instant dismissal during the week? Someone had a word in his shell-like during halftime in a reserve game - and puff, an ex-Chelsea captain and legend is history.
They certainly didn't seem carefree - wherever they may be!
Was the club affected by the ruthlessness of coach Ray Wilkins' instant dismissal during the week? Someone had a word in his shell-like during halftime in a reserve game - and puff, an ex-Chelsea captain and legend is history.
They certainly didn't seem carefree - wherever they may be!
As Arsenal, Manchester United and Aston Villa blood youngsters in readiness for UEFA's financial fairplay rules of 2014, Chelsea need to contemplate the future, rather than the here and now.
Chelsea have been far too over reliant on their big names over the last few years. Pundits have hounded Liverpool's dependence on Gerrard and Torres, and the same can be said for Arsenal with Fabregas and Van Persie, but nothings been said about Chelsea without Drogba, Terry and probably most importantly Michael Essien. In their defence however, Frank Arnesens 'prodigies' are waiting in the wings, and I think their display against Zilina (granted it was against Zilina) showed that. Bruma, McEachran and Sturrudge of course, but I also thought that Van Anholt was particularly impressive. Chelsea have been very short sighted for too long, but I think there is a set-up there developing talent.
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